Abstract: A meter panel device for a vehicle having a light-transmissive base plate having a dial face and marking, and a light emitting unit, which comprises translucent colored layers differing in color from each other provided respectively on the front side and backside of the dial face, and translucent colored layers differing in color from each other provided respectively on the front side and backside of the marking, thus enabling changes in colors of the dial face and the marking between the daytime in which the vehicle interior is relatively lighter than the backside of the meter device and the night in which the light emitting unit disposed at the rear side of the meter device is lit and the vehicle interior is relatively darker than the backside of the meter device.

Abstract: An indicator lamp comprising a tubular housing which is closed at one end and has a light source disposed within it at a position remote from its open end. A diffusing screen is disposed within the tubular housing in front of the light source and again remote from the open end of the housing. The internal surfaces of the tubular housing between the location of the light source and the open end of the housing are blackened. A transparent lens is disposed adjacent the open end of the tubular housing and carries on its side closest to the light source an infra-red suppressing filter, and, on its side remote from the light source, an anti-reflection coating.

Abstract: An illuminating device for an electric part which can illuminate a light conducting member uniformly with a simple construction. The illuminating device comprises an annular filter having a light passing zone and a light absorbing zone formed at different circumferential portions thereof. The filter is located on a lower face of and positionable in a circumferential direction relative to a cylindrical light conducting member which surrounds a manually operable knob mounted for rotation relative to an operation panel. A light source is located below the light conducting member so that light emitted from the light source is transmitted to an upper end face of the operation panel by way of the filter and the light conducting member. The distribution of the light passing zone and the light absorbing zone of the filter is selected suitably so as to attain desired uniform illumination at the upper end face of the operation panel.

Abstract: A meter dial illuminating device for illuminating a dial by means of a light incident upon a back surface thereof. The dial is formed of a light transmitting material except at a portion where characters and a scale are indicated. As a result, the front surface of the dial is illuminated by the light incident upon the back surface of the light guiding plate and transmitted therethrough.

Abstract: A back light device for uniformly illuminating a liquid crystal display plate comprises a fluorescent lamp having a luminous tube formed by being turned up through a coupling in the same plane, a liquid crystal display plate to be illuminated by the light radiated from the fluorescent lamp, a diffused plate interposed between the liquid crystal display plate and the fluorescent lamp in parallel to the plane, and a reflector for reflecting the light radiated from the fluorescent lamp toward the diffused plate.

Abstract: A flexible light pipe fixed at one extremity to admit light from the lamp illuminating the stitch forming area is shiftably supported at the other extremity to illuminate representation of the selected stitch pattern, and an expandable coil in the light pipe is constrained within a mechanism free compartment within the sewing machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic device for surface mounting of the type comprising an insulating substrate, whose upper surface receives at least one optoelectronic element electrically connected to contacts of the lower surface of the substrate through conductive strips. An annular spacer is fixed to the upper surface of the substrate. A spherical lens is glued on the annular spacer and the plane of light emission is situated at a distance from the spherical lens which is smaller than its extension.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch having an illuminated display or other instrumentation data or control display device is made compatible both with unassisted night time vision of the display as well as vision assisted by a night vision imaging system or night vision goggles. The display is backed with a plurality of selectively activated light sources. Each light source is characterized by a spectral range. At least one of the light sources has a spectral range compatible with the night vision imaging system. At least another one of the light sources has a spectral range compatible with unassisted night vision. In the preferred embodiment, the light source is comprised of a conventional incandescent bulb disposed within a domed glass filter. The domed glass filter has a spectral transmissivity which is compatible with the night vision imaging system. In particular, the filter has a transmissivity approximately equal to either ANVIS Green A, ANVIS Green B, or Yellow.

Abstract: The invention relates to indicator lamps and in particular to such lamps which are required to be clearly visible in high ambient light conditions.In order to overcome the problem of light emitted by the lamp competing with the ambient light reflected from the lamp the invention provides an indicator lamp having a light source contained within a light source support in which substantially all of the surfaces of the light source support surrounding the light source are coated black, except for a portion of the surfaces through which emitted light from the light source passes outwardly to the viewer.In a preferred embodiment the light source is an L.E.D.

Abstract: A light-shielding screen device comprising a first light transmissible substrate, a second light transmissible substrate and an intermediate layer sandwiched therebetween, the intermediate layer comprising at least one light-shielding screen portion located in the middle area of the intermediate layer and a light non-transmissible retaining portion located at least in a portion of the remaining area of the intermediate layer, the portion of the remaining area including the entire outermost peripheral area of the intermediate layer. The light non-transmissible retaining portion of the intermediate layer of the present light-shielding screen device securely retains on its both sides the first and second light transmissible substrates, respectively.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a control unit, especially for setting heating, oling and/or ventilation systems in motor vehicles. Sliding members are guided between two end positions in an oblong body. Setting members, e.g., louvers or motors, are adjusted by means of these sliding members via transmission means. A step-down unit is provided as the transmission means, which consists of a first toothed rack molded onto the sliding member and of a second toothed rack molded onto the body, and a gear which is mounted rotatably between the two toothed racks and moved when the sliding member is moved. The gear is connected to an adjusting means, e.g., a rod, which in turn operates the setting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device having a transparent display field through which ambient light can pass from the side facing away from an observer to the side facing the observer. Characters and/or symbols can be presented against a light background on the display field. On the side facing the observer, the display field has a light-guide plate 9 of transparent material in which light-dispensing particles 19 are distributed and into which the light from a source of light 12 can be introduced.

Abstract: An electronic device with densely packed components includes a bipartite housing, a film circuit guided meander-like in said housing, at least one reinforcement plate for reinforcing said film circuit over part of the length of said film circuit, means integral with at least one part of said housing for fixing said reinforcement plate in position, an illuminated display disposed in said housing for viewing said film circuit, and a calibration potentiometer disposed in said housing for contacting said film circuit.

Abstract: An illuminated display forming part of a twist type switch is disclosed. An operator display is formed from a transparent material having a high index of refraction. A cylindrical portion is formed on the back of the operator display which is mounted on the switch and defines a space in which an indicator lamp is mounted. A peripheral flange portion is formed forward of and radially outward from the cylindrical portion. The rear surface of the flange portion is contoured with a plurality of prisms which are arranged in the shape of the information to be displayed. The prisms concentrate and collimate the light emitting from the indicator lamp and passing through the cylindrical portion and direct it out the front of the operator display. The transverse cross section of the resulting beam is in the general shape of the display and is readily visible to an observer in front of the display.

Abstract: An instrument illuminating arrangement for the glare-free illumination of indicators such as characters of the instrument display area or, especially of movable hands or movable displays or electronically variable characters, has an excitation source which is so arranged as to irradiate the surfaces of the indicators and cause them to emit visible light. Preferably the excitation source generates light energy at least to some extent in the invisible range and the indicators' surfaces are provided with luminophors which convert the invisible light into visible light so that the light energy supplied to the indicators will not disturb the operator of, for example, a vehicle equipped with such instruments.

Abstract: A device for controlling a light source in a viewfinder of a camera, such as may be used for illuminating a liquid crystal display unit, having a simple operation and which is saving of power. An operating switch is provided for operating the light source. A timer is initiated when the operating switch is turned off. The light source is maintained turned on while the operating switch is turned on and while the timer is operating, and the light source is turned off when the operating switch is turned on during the operation of the timer.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying camera information in the view finder of a camera is provided with a sheet-like display member having plural display portions on which reference characters indicative of the camera information are depicted, respectively. A light emission array is disposed opposed to and spaced away from the display member. Each of plural light emission elements of the light emission array corresponds to the respective one of the display portions on the display member. The space between the light emission array and the display member is divided into plural regions each of which contains the light emission element and the corresponding display portion, so that any transmission of light between each adjacent region is prevented. The light from each of the light emission elements is condensed by a light condensing device and is projected toward the corresponding display portion through a light diffusion device disposed between the light condensing device and the display member.

Abstract: Disclosed are indicia display devices that are sunlight readable and which comprise a lens system having one or more body portions each of which provides a transparent internal light reflecting medium interposed between a light receiving surface and a light transmitting surface; a legend plate disposed to receive light from the light transmitting surface, with the legend plate being a laminate made up of mutually bonded elements including one or more filters; and a light source disposed to supply light to the light receiving surface. Various specific configurations of the legend plate are disclosed.

Abstract: A drive circuit is disclosed which includes a converter that provides current pulses that charge a capacitive electroluminescent lamp to produce light and a switching circuit that switches a predetermined number of successive current pulses at high frequency for progressively charging the electroluminescent lamp. The switching circuit also reverses the polarity of the electroluminescent lamp at low frequency when the electroluminescent lamp discharges at the end of a predetermined number of successive current pulses and before the electroluminescent lamp charges again by current pulses produced by the converter. The switching circuit is connected to and is responsive to signals provided by the timepiece frequency divider circuit and the converter is connected to the timepiece battery for stepping up the battery voltage to provide for the charging current pulses. The EL lamp is used as its own storage capacitor and receives substantially all of the energy provided by the converter.

Abstract: An instrumentation system for vehicles is provided which permits electrical, pressure and vacuum gauges to be interchangeably snap-in mounted into uniform gauge locations in a pivoting housing. Electrical gauges are automatically tied in to the vehicle electrical system as they are snapped in. A plurality of individual lamps on a common circuit provide illumination for each gauge. The lamps are detachably mounted on the housing and may be removed and replaced without disconnecting the gauges or other lamps.

Abstract: Apparatus for front lighting a display includes a light distributing wedge, spaced from the front of the display to be lighted, through which the display can be viewed. A light source is provided aside the wedge to direct light to an inter space between the wedge and the display. A reflective surface is provided at the wide end of the wedge to reflect light incident upon it. Thus, light from the light source is directed onto the display through various reflecting and refracting paths, including directly onto the display from the light source, reflected from the interior surface of the wedge onto the display, and refracted and reflected within the wedge to be emitted in the direction of the display.

Abstract: A modular backlighted analog/digital display for use in a cylindrical aircraft instrument housing. The analog indicator dial is backlighted by an illumination source diffused by a translucent light collecting plate having a configuration corresponding to that of the analog dial. A polarizing filter is mounted in an opening formed in a portion of the light collecting plate to enhance image contrast of the digits of a digital display of the self-illuminated type, e.g. an incandescent or LED digital readout, that is exposed through a cutout portion formed in the analog dial. In addition, the interior of the opening in which the display is received can be coated with a light opaque material to prevent light scattered from the light collecting plate from reaching the face of the digital display and washing out the digits. The analog pointer is formed from a translucent material and is connected to an analog meter mechanism.

Abstract: A temperature control device is provided which comprises a thermostatic control means. The thermostatic control means is for automatically controlling the temperature of a location to a predetermined temperature. A means is additionally provided for setting the predetermined temperature. The means for setting includes an elongated temperature scale and a set point. The scale and set point are movable with respect to each other. The set point indicates the predetermined temperature on the scale.The scale has associated therewith different colors along the periphery thereof. A means for illuminating the temperature scale near the set point is provided to reveal the color associated with the predetermined temperature. Thus an observer of the temperature control device, knowing the colors associated with the temperatures or knowing the colors at which he is most comfortable, can immediately observe from a distance the predetermined temperature at which the device is set.

Abstract: The dial face of a battery-operated electric wrist watch is illuminated momentarily by manual pressure on a switch connecting a miniature light bulb, mounted between the crystal (lens) and the dial face, to the battery of the watch.

Abstract: An aircraft instrument lighting fixture is described as having a bezel top or covering for the instrument. The bezel top has a cylindrical opening through which the face or dial of the instrument can be viewed, and an inner cylindrical wall which is adjacent the opening and around which is located an electroluminescent lamp which, in turn, is covered by a micro-louver type material that is designed to prevent an observer of the instrument from seeing the light ring created by the electroluminescent lamp. A film of light polarizing material is placed between the electroluminescent lamp and the louver material to eliminate any objectionable reflection and glare normally created when unpolarized light strikes the instrument.

Abstract: A dash-board with easily interchangeable inscriptions comprising a front te made from translucent material, opacified on one of its sides and comprising at least one recess opening on said opacified side and an inscription-bearing cap-like insert secured within said recess and including a translucent element underlying said inscriptions and extending into said recess.

Abstract: This specification discloses a bulbholder assembly incuding a mounting carrying a coupling toward one end whereby the one end can be inserted into an aperture in a supporting wall and secured therein. The bulbholder assembly includes a bulbholder removably mounted in the end of the mounting with the coupling. The bulbholder is capable of being inserted into the aperture with the mounting as a unit from one side of the supporting wall to project through the aperture for removal from the mounting from the other side of the supporting wall. As a result, in order to change a faulty or used bulb, the holder can be removed from the rear of the supporting wall by withdrawing the holder from the mounting or, alternatively, the mounting can be disconnected from the front of the aperture and the holder detached from the mounting. Thus, a bulb can be changed from the front or the rear.

Abstract: An electroluminescent (EL) ring lamp for illuminating dial indicia, pointers and the like of aircraft instruments is disclosed. The EL ring lamp comprises a flat split-ring arranged in a recess in an adapter plate removably mounted in front of the transparent instrument cover. The ring lamp is formed with microencapsulated phosphor particles applied in a polymeric binder to the illuminating surface of the lamp. In an alternate embodiment, the ring lamp has a frusto-conical illuminating surface.

Abstract: A light fixture which indicates the time of day includes a clock mechanism having a movable hand and an electrically operated illumination device arranged relative to the clock mechanism for casting a shadow of the hand on a surface. A light sensing device senses the ambient light intensity at the fixture location and it is operatively connected to the illumination device to increase the intensity of the illumination device in response to an increase in ambient light intensity and to decrease the intensity of the illumination device in response to a decrease in ambient light intensity.

Abstract: An indicator dial having at least one scale thereon and having at least one illuminable indication area for providing a visual signal of a physical function, wherein the dial comprises a thin transparent plate having an opaque dye coat on one face thereof with at least one area free of the opaque dye coat and having a translucent dye coat of contrasting color in the area, and the scale being on the side of the plate facing a viewer, whereby the scale is visible at all times, but the indication areas are visible to the viewer only when illuminated from behind the dial. The dial is made by applying the dye coats and scale markings in sequential operations by use of a screen printing process.

Abstract: Grooves or channels are formed along the edges, and/or at other selected locations, of a guitar, of other musical instruments; as might be done in purfling and binding for such instrument. A fiber-optic bundle is laid into the groove and overlayed with a veneer of suitable wood, or other appropriate materials, but in such a manner that ends of selected fibers are aligned with and/or extend through suitable apertures formed through the veneer overlay. The individual fiber-optic bundles are then gathered into a main fiber-optic trunk line which is directed through an entry channel and away from the instrument; terminating at a source of illumination.

Abstract: An illuminated door lock is described which comprises in combination a door, a lock fitting in a hole through said door, a plate of translucent material resting on the exterior of the door, said plate having a hole in the middle which is coaxial with the hole in the door through which the lock fits, means for securing said plate around the lock, at least one recess in the plate for accommodating at least one light bulb, said plate having a thickness of at least 1/4 inch and being at least 1/2 inch wide, said bulb having a length between 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch; means for establishing contact between said bulb and a source of electric energy.

Abstract: A front lighted display for an instrument dial face and pointer, including in combination with such dial face and pointer and according to one embodiment, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) positioned around the inner periphery of an LED mounting and directing light rays onto the dial face, a conically shaped reflector positioned to reflect light from the LEDs onto the dial face, a center disc reflector having an LED mounted thereon to enhance illumination of the pointer hub and center area of the dial face presentation, and an LED baffle ring preventing direct viewing of the diodes, and which can have a light reflecting inner surface to redirect light from the LEDs onto the surface of the dial face.

Abstract: Light rays for illuminating the indicating portion of the indicator pointer come from the hub portion of the same where the rotational axis of the pointer lies, so that constant illumination on the indicating portion is achieved irrespective of the angular position change of the indicating portion relative to the dial board.

Abstract: A transparent instrument cover provided with an electroluminescent area arranged so that when energized, light is projected from one surface of the cover to illuminate a dial of an instrument on which it is fitted. The cover is intended as a replacement for an existing transparent cover or coverglass in an instrument. In a first embodiment the electroluminescent area is an annular area located adjacent the periphery of the cover, and in a second embodiment an isolated electroluminescent area is located within the annular area.

Abstract: For use with a lighted display which must be seen while energized in a high brightness environment, an arrangement which prevents extraneous light from entering the display for precluding ambiguity to a viewer as to whether or not the display is energized.

Abstract: An indicator assemblyhaving a plurality of indicators mounted in a common rectangular housing having a rear wall, there being provided a circuit plate integrally molded in the rear wall of the housing that provides the necessary circuitry for actuating each of the indicators from a remote transducer, the circuit plate prior to being molded into the rear wall of the housing having narrow cut-out portions defining the circuits in the plate with small web bridges across these cut-out portions to provide the necessary support for the plate prior to insertion molding into the rear wall, and after molding the housing these supporting webs are selectively removed through the housing rear wall and the circuit plate at each of these webs to isolate the circuits in the circuit plate.

Abstract: A sewing machine has a machine housing. A group of pattern cams is arranged in the housing. A cam follower is movable along the group of pattern cams for selecting a desired one of these cams. A pattern indicating panel on the housing shows a row of pattern illustrations corresponding to the patterns which can be produced by the pattern cams. A manual arrangement moves the cam follower along the group of cams. An electrically illuminable pattern pointer is connected to the arrangement and movable along the row of pattern illustrations, in timed relation with the movement of the cam follower to point out a pattern illustration corresponding to a selected pattern cam. An electric circuit, including a power source and a switch electrically connects the power source with the pattern pointer to illuminate the latter.

Abstract: An indicator pointer is arranged between a dial board and a viewing window so as to swingably move over the face of the dial board in response to rotation of a spindle of a movement of the indicator gauge. Illuminating means such as a light emitting diode (LED) is disposed in the pointer to illuminate a relatively large portion of the pointer. Opaque paint is coated on the front surface of the pointer to conceal the illuminating means.